Advocacy and Awareness

Ordered Alphabetically by Organization

1. Organization: AawaajCountry: NepalSolution: Helping Rural Communities Combat the Violence and Discrimination of Children and Women
Since 1999, Aawaaj has pioneered community-based responses to the systematic violence toward women and children in rural Nepal. Violence against women and girls–including trafficking, domestic violence, dowry-related violence, rape, and sexual violence–remains a serious problem in the country, but many victims choose not to report incidents. Aawaaj, which means “voice” in Nepali, aims to break the silence around these issues. Aawaaj works with both women and men to help rural communities establish support networks that help eliminate sexual abuse and violence against women and children and offer support to survivors. Since its founding, Aawaaj has mobilized 5,000 change makers to raise awareness and inspire community involvement to address gender-based violence and exploitation. Website:http://www.aawaaj.org.np/

2. Organization: Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and partnersCountry: GlobalSolution: World Contraception Day
Held annually on September 26, World Contraception Day is an international initiative launched by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals to raise and improve awareness on contraception and reproductive health. In developing countries, 215 million women who want to avoid pregnancy do not use an effective method of contraception. Young people, in particular, face serious barriers to accessing contraception. By holding World Contraception Day events each year, civil society organizations and governments around the world are able to demonstrate their commitment to raising the profile of contraception and improving education on reproductive and sexual health. This awareness and education is critical to mobilizing support for these services to remain available, affordable, and stigma-free. The campaign envisions a world where every pregnancy is intended, and every girl and woman is able to make her own reproductive choices. Website: http://www.your-life.com/en/home/world-contraception-day/

3. Organization: Girls Not BridesCountry: GlobalSolution:The Partnership to End Child Marriage
Launched in 2011 by The Elders, Girls Not Brides is a partnership of 80 global non-governmental organizations working to end child marriage. Child brides are more likely to drop out of school and are at a higher risk for sexually transmitted diseases, gender-based violence, and complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Girls Not Brides brings community leaders and activists together to raise awareness and galvanize action to address the scale and impact of child marriage around the world. By mobilizing communities on an international scale, Girls Not Brides is helping to end the harmful practice of child marriage so that girls everywhere can reach their full potential.Website:www.girlsnotbrides.org

4. Organization: Nike Foundation, the NoVo Foundation, the United Nations Foundation and the Coalition for Adolescent Girls
Country: GlobalSolution:Girl Effect
The Girl Effect is a movement centered on the idea that empowering girls is key to creating significant social and economic change in developing countries. More than 600 million adolescent girls live in the developing world, 250 million of whom live in poverty. Girls are more likely than boys to be uneducated, marry at a young age, and contract HIV/AIDS. The Girl Effect aims to secure the political commitments and funding needed to provide 50 million adolescent girls with the resources they need to lift their own and their families’ living standards. Originally aimed at influencing world leaders at the 2009 World Economic Forum, the Girl Effect’s videos quickly became viral sensations. Propelled by social media and creative, inspiring videos, the Girl Effect has encouraged people around the world to use their voices, skills, and communities to raise awareness about adolescent girls’ potential to end poverty for themselves and for the world.Website:http://www.girleffect.org/

The Girl Effect is a movement centered on the idea that empowering girls is key to creating significant social and economic change in developing countries. More than 600 million adolescent girls live in the developing world, 250 million of whom live in poverty. Girls are more likely than boys to be uneducated, marry at a young age, and contract HIV/AIDS. The Girl Effect aims to secure the political commitments and funding needed to provide 50 million adolescent girls with the resources they need to lift their own and their families’ living standards.

Originally aimed at influencing world leaders at the 2009 World Economic Forum, the Girl Effect’s videos quickly became viral sensations. Propelled by social media and creative, inspiring videos, the Girl Effect has encouraged people around the world to use their voices, skills, and communities to raise awareness about adolescent girls’ potential to end poverty for themselves and for the world.The Girl Effect is a movement centered on the idea that empowering girls is key to creating significant social and economic change in developing countries. More than 600 million adolescent girls live in the developing world, 250 million of whom live in poverty. Girls are more likely than boys to be uneducated, marry at a young age, and contract HIV/AIDS. The Girl Effect aims to secure the political commitments and funding needed to provide 50 million adolescent girls with the resources they need to lift their own and their families’ living standards.

5. Organization: Plan InternationalCountry: GlobalSolution:Because I Am a Girl
Plan International's Because I am a Girl initiative addresses gender inequality around the world through an integrated advocacy and fieldwork campaign. Around the world, girls face gender and age discrimination, often leaving them at the bottom of the social ladder. In fact, girls are three times more likely to be malnourished than boys, and approximately one out of five girls does not complete her primary education. Because I am a Girl aims to address these inequities through girl-centered education, microfinance, health, and leadership programming in the 60 countries in which Plan International operates. The organization’s annual “State of the World’s Girls” report highlights cutting-edge research on the status of girls and emphasizes actions that can achieve social change. Because I am a Girl works to unleash the power of girls, who can help positively shape the future of our world. Website: http://www.plan-international.org/girls

6. Organization: The 30 for 30 CampaignCountry: U.S.Solution: Protecting Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health and RightsThe 30 for 30 Campaign advocates for increased funding and resources for HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and comprehensive health care for women in the United States. Given that 30% of those living with HIV/AIDS in the United States are women, the campaign demands that 30% of HIV/AIDS-related funding and resources be explicitly devoted to addressing issues of high priority to women. The campaign targets key decision makers, such as the Center for Disease Control, to raise awareness and ensure that women’s needs are highlighted and addressed. It also calls for equitable representation of women living with and affected by HIV in public planning activities affecting funding, policy, and programs. Women are too often denied the autonomy to prioritize their own health and rights and to protect themselves from HIV infection. This campaign works to ensure that women are actively engaged in the fight against HIV/AIDS and their needs addressed. Website: http://www.facebook.com/30for30#!/30for30?sk=info

7. Organization: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Country: Republic of MacedoniaSolution:Real Men Never Hit Women
Real Men Never Hit Women was a three-year national public awareness campaign in Macedonia led by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) that aimed to reduce violence against women. Domestic violence is a widespread problem in Macedonia: a 2006 study estimated that half of all women have experienced psychological abuse, one in six has experienced physical abuse, and one in 10 has experienced sexual abuse. Using Macedonian athletes and female leaders as spokespeople, the Real Men Never Hit Women campaign spreads positive messages to address the role of men in domestic violence, empower women to say “no” to violence, and emphasize that every person has a role to play in combating domestic violence. Over the course of three years, the campaign aired over 4,000 television spots, placed 200 advertisements in newspapers and magazines, and was featured on the radio nearly 10,000 times. Through this outreach, the campaign significantly increased the number of calls to the Macedonia’s national domestic violence helpline and brought domestic violence out of the shadows.Website:http://www.facebook.com/#!/zaednoprotivnasilstvo

8. Organization:Office of the United Nations Secretary-General Country:GlobalSolution:Every Woman Every Child
Every Woman Every Child is a global movement that mobilizes governments, multilaterals, civil society, and the private sector to address the major health challenges facing women and children around the world. Launched by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2010, the initiative aims to save the lives of 16 million women and children by 2015. More than $40 billion was pledged at the 2010 launch, and numerous partners have made additional–and critical–financial, policy and service delivery commitments.Through the United Nations Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health, and by working with partners such as the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and the United Nations Foundation, Every Woman Every Child enhances financing, strengthens policy, and improves health services for the most vulnerable women and children. This clarion call to action has the active support of global leaders, key decision-makers, and grassroots heroes, and has the potential to transform health outcomes for every woman and every child. Website: http://www.everywomaneverychild.org/

9. Organization: Voice of Libyan WomenCountry: LibyaSolution:Libyan Women's Charter
The Voice of Libyan Women is an advocacy organization that provides Libyan women with a platform to raise their voices, advocate for their needs, and actively participate in their country’s political processes. Traditionally, the role of women in public life in Libya has been very limited and is deeply rooted in patriarchal values and traditions. The Libyan Women’s Charter is a newly developed project designed to inspire a unified national women’s movement. The Voice of Libyan Women’s members are currently conducting online outreach and a tour to speak with women across the country to identify specific needs and demands. Ultimately, this project aims to unite every Libyan woman under a single charter, or call for action, that can be used to influence a constitution and result in greater gender equality, empowerment, and opportunities. Website:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.200344886731200.40111.135705886528434&type=1

10. Organization: Women Won’t WaitCountry: GlobalSolution:Promoting Women's Health and Human Rights in the Struggle to Address HIV and AIDS
Women Won’t Wait is an international coalition of organizations and networks that promote women’s health and human rights, with a focus on HIV/AIDS and ending all forms of violence against women. Gender-based violence has been identified as a significant driver of HIV/AIDS infections in sub-Saharan Africa, where the virus disproportionately affects women. The Women Won’t Wait campaign uses online videos and films to raise awareness and educate people on these issues, increase funding and human resources, strengthen legal frameworks to better address and combat gender-based violence, and maximize political will. By formulating policies and programs that integrate HIV/AIDS and violence against women, this coalition improves gender equality, strengthens women’s empowerment, and reduces the spread of HIV. As the name states, these women won’t wait for progress to come to them, but rather are actively engaged as powerful change-makers Website: http://www.womenwontwait.org/

FINALISTS

Organization: American Bar Association (ABA)Countries: GlobalSolution:Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI)
ABA ROLI is a non-profit program working across Africa and Eastern Europe, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia, to protect women’s rights. In the DRC, ABA ROLI has established a mobile court system that allows victims of gender-based violence to access the judicial system. ABA ROLI has advocated for legislation, which was eventually passed, to protect women from domestic violence and exploitation.Website:http://apps.americanbar.org/rol/

Organization: TERREWODECountry: UgandaSolution: Sustainable Obstetric Fistula Awareness Network
The Sustainable Obstetric Fistula Awareness Network provides women who are suffering from obstetric fistula with treatment, counseling, and social reintegration services. The program trains a diverse set of volunteers to serve as advocates, identify and support obstetric fistula survivors, and educate their communities. Through community-wide collaborations, the network raises awareness of fistula and advocate for women’s health and political rights.Website:http://terrewode.org/

Organization: ABANTU for Development, UN Millennium Campaign – Africa Region, African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), Solidarity for African Women’s Rights coalition (SOAWR), Akina Mama wa Afrika with support from White Ribbon Alliance, Sigrid Rausing Trust, African Women’s Development Fund, Urgent Action Fund, Oxfam Novib, and other partnersCountries: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and UgandaSolution:East African Caravan on Maternal Health
Prior to the start of the African Union (AU) Summit in 2010, the East African Caravan on Maternal Health traveled through Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda to advocate for improved maternal health. At each stop, the Caravan held public rallies where they shared information on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, distributed supplies, and provided medical services. At the end of the journey, the Caravan presented the ACT Now petition at the AU Summit, reminding officials that “no woman should die while giving life.” Through television, radio, newspapers, social media, and websites, the Caravan has reached an estimated 45 million people throughout Africa.Website:http://eacaravan2010.wordpress.com/

Organization: Y-PEERCountry: GlobalSolution:10 Days of Activism
On July 1 – 10, 2011, the “10 Days of Activism” campaign brought together young people from 50 countries to speak about pressing issues affecting them, including the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights. “10 Days of Activism” took place at multiple international venues, and was complemented by a social media campaign to strengthen dialogue with local government representatives, through seminars, radio broadcasts, TV shows, and multimedia contests. Website:www.10daysofactivism.com

Organization: Freedom to RoamCountry: UgandaSolution:Hate No More
Launched in August 2011, Hate No More was a four-month campaign which raised awareness about homosexuality to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Uganda. Hate No More campaigners conducted a nationwide poster campaign, and engaged religious leaders, civil society organizations, health providers, and politicians in active discussions about LGBT rights. Led by the Freedom and Roam Uganda organizations, 30 other groups joined the campaign, including Global Fund for Women and the Human Rights Campaign.

Organization: Healthcare Information for All by 2015Country: Africa and AsiaSolution:Cost Innovation to Assess the Needs of Healthcare Providers & Citizens
HIFA2015 (Healthcare Information For All by 2015) is a global campaign and knowledge network administered by the Global Healthcare Information Network, a non-profit organization working to improve the quality of health care in developing countries. HIFA2015 is part of HIFA Global Networks, which brings together more than 7000 health workers, librarians, publishers, researchers and policymakers in 2000 organizations across 158 countries worldwide. These organizations are all committed to a common goal: By 2015, every person worldwide will have access to an informed health care provider.Website:www.hifa2015.org

Organization: White Ribbon AllianceCountry: GlobalSolution:Respectful Care Charter, The Universal Rights of Childbearing Women
White Ribbon Alliance (WRA) facilitated the development of a charter that affirms the universal rights of childbearing women. Through policy and advocacy activities, WRA and partners work to ensure that every woman’s right to respectful care at birth is upheld. Theirs is the first charter that specifically defines the rights of childbearing women.Website:www.whiteribbonalliance.org/respectfulcare

Organization: Rutgers WPF, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oxfam Novib, I+SolutionsCountry: GlobalSolution:Universal Access to Female Condoms (UAFC) Joint Program
The Universal Access to Female Condoms (UAFC) Joint Program works to make female condoms available, accessible and affordable to all women. To achieve this goal, the UAFC joint program introduced a unique three track strategy in 2008: combine large scale country programs, stimulate research and develop different types of female condoms, and focus on international advocacy. This strategy provides a platform to address the misconceptions around female condoms and to advocate for increased numbers of contraception choices at reduced prices.Website:www.condoms4all.org

Organization: Center for Reproductive RightsCountry: GlobalSolution:Using Litigation to Fight Maternal Mortality
The Center for Reproductive Rights uses human rights litigation to fight the maternal mortality crisis by establishing legal protections for reproductive rights. They support the work of advocates and policymakers to dismantle barriers to maternal healthcare, so that women can obtain the services they need. In August 2011, the Center won an important victory when a United Nations committee established that governments have a human rights obligation to guarantee that all pregnant women in their countries have access to timely, non-discriminatory, and appropriate maternal health services.Website:www.reproductiverights.org

Organization: United Nations Foundation (UNF)Country: GlobalSolution:Shot@Life Campaign
Shot@Life aims to educate, connect, and empower Americans to champion vaccines as one of the most cost-effective ways to save the lives of children in developing countries. The grassroots campaign rallies the American public, members of Congress, and civil society partners around the fact that through expanded access to vaccines, a child’s life can be saved every 20 seconds. By encouraging Americans to advocate for vaccines, the UNF’s Shot@Life campaign aims to decrease vaccine-preventable childhood deaths and give children everywhere a shot at a healthy life.Website: www.shotatlife.org

Organization: Women’s World Banking and Banco ADOPEMCountry: Dominican RepublicSolution: Can a Soap Opera Change a Woman’s Life? ContracorrienteContracorriente is a soap opera created to improve financial literacy and money management among low-income women in the Dominican Republic. Centered on a working class family encountering financial challenges and conflicts within the home, the program raises topics such as money management and household financial dynamics, and issues relating to exploitation, abuse, and gender identity. Messages from the show are complemented by radio ads, billboards, and educational training sessions.Website:http://www.swwb.org/content/can-soap-opera-change-womans-life

Organization: Guerrerias ProjectCountry: Brazil and UKSolution: Challenging Narrow Gender Scripts with Football
The Guerrerias Project uses football as a platform to initiate discussions about gender norms, equality, and social change. Launched at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the initiative uses a series of tools including multimedia exhibitions, interactive workshops, roundtable dialogues and seminars to engage participants in ”making gender visible.” In each session, audio, writings, and still imagery from Brazilian women’s football are used to open discussion on prejudice, privilege, and gender norms.Website: http://guerreirasproject.wordpress.com/multimedia/

Organization: Promundo Country: Brazil, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, India and TanzaniaSolution: Program M
Instituto Promundo is a Brazilian NGO that seeks to promote gender equality and end violence against women, children and youth. Program M, in particular, seeks to promote the health and empowerment of young women through critical reflections about gender, rights and health. The program uses educational workshops, community campaigns, and innovative evaluation instruments to promote young women’s awareness about gender inequities, and become more empowered in their lives.Website: http://www.promundo.org.br/en/activities/activities-posts/program-m/

Organization: Palestinian Center for Communication and Development StrategiesCountry: PalestineSolution: Protecting the Rights of Working Women
The Palestinian Center for Communication and Development Strategies uses radio broadcasting, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to educate women about their rights. The Center focuses on women who work in small factories and workshops, where women’s rights and labor laws are often disregarded or little known. The organization also runs campaigns encouraging decision makers to enact laws to protect the rights of working women.Website: http://www.pccds.com/index%20english.html

Organization: We ChangeCountry: IranSolution:One Million Signatures
The One Million Signatures Campaign collects signatures in support of changing discriminatory laws against women in Iran. The Campaign educates citizens, particularly women, about the negative impact of these inequitable laws on the lives of women and society as a whole. To date, over 1,000 individuals have been trained to educate and raise awareness about the petition in communities across Iran.Website:http://www.we-change.org/english/